# How to Wash and Care for Bras and Lingerie So They Last Longer

URL: https://prettywear.pk/how-to-wash-bras-and-lingerie/

> A good bra should last a year or more. Most lose their shape in months because of how they are washed. Here is the simple routine that keeps bras, lace and silk looking new.

Category: Care Tips
Published: 2026-10-05

A well-made bra should keep its shape for 8–12 months of regular wear. Most bras in Pakistan last half that — not because of the bra, but because of the washing machine. Here is the care routine we recommend for everything in your lingerie drawer.

## Bras

1. **Hand wash** in cool water with a mild detergent or baby shampoo. Soak for 10 minutes, press gently, never scrub.
2. If you must machine wash, fasten the hooks, put the bra in a **mesh laundry bag** and use the delicate cycle with cold water.
3. **Never wring.** Squeeze water out gently with a towel.
4. **Dry flat in the shade.** Hanging by the straps stretches them; direct sun yellows white and skin shades.
5. Rotate between at least 3 bras so the elastic gets a day to recover.

## Padded and push-up bras

Reshape the cups with your hands while they are damp so the padding does not crease. Never fold one cup into the other for storage.

## Lace, net and lingerie sets

Lace snags easily. Wash lace separately from anything with hooks, zips or velcro, and always inside a mesh bag. Lay flat to dry.

## Silk and satin nightwear

Cold water, a drop of mild detergent, and no soaking longer than 5 minutes. Roll in a towel, then hang in the shade. Iron inside out on the lowest setting if needed.

## Shapewear

Rinse after every wear — sweat breaks down elastic. Hand wash, dry flat, and never use fabric softener, which coats the fibres and kills the stretch.

## Cotton panties and period panties

Cotton can take a normal machine wash in cold or warm water. Period panties should be rinsed in cold water first, then washed normally without softener or bleach, and air dried.

## When to replace

- The band stays loose on the tightest hook
- Underwire pokes through or feels bent
- Straps slip even when tightened
- Cups have permanent creases or the fabric has pilled

Time for a refresh? Browse [bras](https://prettywear.pk/product-category/bras/), [lingerie](https://prettywear.pk/product-category/lingerie/) and [panties](https://prettywear.pk/product-category/panties/) at Pretty Wear — cash on delivery, discreet packaging, anywhere in Pakistan.

### Related reading

- [Padded vs non-padded bra](https://prettywear.pk/padded-vs-non-padded-bra/)
- [Period panties kaise dhoyein aur use karein](https://prettywear.pk/period-panties-kya-hain/)
- [How to measure your bra size at home](https://prettywear.pk/how-to-measure-bra-size-at-home/)